The Oxford History Summer Schools offer an immersive educational experience designed for individuals aged 18 to 25. Hosted by esteemed institutions such as Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford Summer Courses, and Oxford Royale, these programs provide a unique opportunity to engage with historical scholarship in one of the world's most renowned academic settings. Participants will explore diverse historical themes, develop critical analytical skills, and enrich their understanding of the past through rigorous study and discussion.
Oxford offers a focused set of History summer programmes for Adults, providing early exposure to structured study and subject-specific development.
The academic focus of history summer schools in Oxford emphasizes critical engagement with a diverse array of historical themes, including political, social, and cultural developments across various eras. Educators often utilize an inquiry-based approach, encouraging students to analyze primary sources, debate historiographical interpretations, and develop their own perspectives. This contrasts with more traditional school settings, where rote memorization may dominate. The result is an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and analytical rigor, allowing students to immerse themselves deeply in the subject matter.
A typical day in an Oxford history summer school balances structured classroom instruction with opportunities for independent study and reflection. Lectures are interactive, often supplemented by group discussions that promote collaborative learning. Students are encouraged to engage with the material outside of formal teaching hours, fostering a culture of self-directed inquiry. This rhythm creates a dynamic classroom atmosphere that challenges participants to think critically and synthesize information, enhancing the overall learning experience.
The summer schools cater specifically to young adults aged 18 to 25. This age group typically consists of university students, recent graduates, or those with a keen interest in furthering their historical knowledge. Participants are expected to come with a foundational understanding of history, ready to engage with complex themes and contribute to discussions in a mature academic environment.
Oxford’s history summer schools stand out due to their rich intellectual heritage and the city’s historical significance as a center of learning. Unlike many general educational offerings, these programmes leverage Oxford’s unique academic resources, including access to rare manuscripts and a vibrant scholarly community. The immersive experience is enhanced by the city’s cultural milieu, where students can engage with history not only in the classroom but also in the very environment that has shaped much of it.
Fees vary by provider and course.
When you’re ready, you can browse providers or compare courses that match your interests.
Last updated: 27/01/2026
| Course | Provider | Subject | Location | Duration | Fees | Short Description | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture, Heritage, and Urban Planning | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Architecture, Arts, Humanities, History | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How can we see cities and their buildings as a means of understanding history and society? In this course you will examine the everyday built environments of cities in Britain (and beyond). | View |
| Law (The Oxford Summer Seminar) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Law, Humanities, History | Oxford | 1 or 2 weeks | $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session | Students examine the British and American legal systems and learn how they reflect the values and institutions of their respective societies. Emphasis is placed on legal history and modes of thought, precedent-setting cases, current controversies, and the kind of first-hand courtroom observation that brings them to life. | View |
| Museum Studies: Collection, Curation, and Colonialism | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Humanities, History, Arts, Anthropology | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | Museums: What are they good for? The Ashmolean, since it opened its doors in 1683 as the world's first ever public museum, has informed and been informed by every development in museum scholarship, collecting practice, and object-centred teaching and learning. | View |
| Arts and Humanities (13-15 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Arts, Humanities, History, Philosophy | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Arts and Humanities summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 13-15 years old students, provides seminars and small group learning and is priced from £5,495. | View |
| History (18-24 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | History, Humanities, Social Sciences | Oxford | 6995 | The History summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 18-24 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View | |
| History, Philosophy & Literature (Oxford) | Oxford Royale | Humanities, History, Philosophy, Literature | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Oxford Royale’s History, Philosophy & Literature Summer School offers an immersive exploration of key thinkers and ideas from Aristotle to Nietzsche, examining how philosophy, history, and literature intersect. Students engage in critical discussion, creative thinking, and experience authentic Oxford life—staying in a historic college, enjoying a graduation dinner in a medieval hall, and punting on the River Cherwell—while expert teaching deepens their understanding of how past thought shapes our world. | View |
| The Secret Lives of Books: Parchment, Printing-Presses, and Paperbacks | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Humanities, Literature, History, Arts, Creative Writing | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | How have various technologies, from the printing press to the coding, impacted how people have read, used, and understood books? How have people’s reading practices changed over time? | View |
| Economic History: The Great Divergence, Convergence, and Beyond | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Economics, Humanities, History, Social Sciences | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | What are the causes of the vast differences in wealth between nations? Why have certain societies prospered whilst others still grapple with poverty? | View |
| Classical Civilisation (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Classical Civilisations, History, Humanities | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Classical Civilisation summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| History (16-17 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | History, Humanities, Social Sciences, Politics | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The History summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 16-17 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £6,995. | View |
| History (The Oxford Summer Seminar) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | History, Humanities, Social Sciences | Oxford | 1 or 2 weeks | $3,995 for one session; $7,395 for the combined session | This course explores events and issues that have been concealed, little understood, or rarely studied. Students are introduced to local secrets, popular conspiracies, the machinations of conniving politicians and governments, and recent historical controversies and disputes. | View |
| PPE: Leadership in Business and Society | Lady Margaret Hall University of Oxford | Leadership, Business, Philosophy, Politics, Social Sciences, Humanities, Economics, Psychology, History | Oxford | 3 Weeks | 4384 | Whether it is a politician guiding a nation through crisis, a visionary tech entrepreneur disrupting the global business landscape, or an inspirational activist campaigning for social justice, great leaders have the power to change the world. But what makes a great leader, and how do you become one? | View |
| History in Oxford for Ages 16-18 | Immerse Education | History, Humanities, Politics | Oxford | 2+ weeks | 7495 | Uncover the past in Oxford, where every cobblestone tells a story of historical significance. | View |
| Stately Homes & Country Gardens (Adults) | Oxford Royale | Arts, Architecture, History, Humanities | Oxford | 2 weeks | 6995 | Explore 500 years of English history through the lens of country houses and gardens. Visit iconic estates like Blenheim Palace, Broughton Castle, Syon, and Stowe, analyzing their art, architecture, and landscapes. | View |
| Classical Civilisation (18-24 years old) | Oxford Summer Courses | Classical Civilisations, Humanities, History, Philosophy, Politics, Arts | Oxford | 2 Weeks | 6995 | The Classical Civilisation summer school at Oxford Summer Courses, designed for 18-24 years old students, provides tutorials and is priced from £5,495 for Non Residential option. | View |
| Classics (The Oxford Tradition) | Oxbridge Academic Programs | Classical Civilisations, Humanities, History, Art, Arts | Oxford | 2 or 4 weeks | $7,395 for one session; $12,595 for combined session | This course examines the literature, philosophy, history, art, and scientific thought of Ancient Greece and Rome. From readings of classical authors to tours of the Ashmolean and local Roman sites, students receive an imaginative introduction to Greco-Roman civilization, explore why the classical world has been admired for millennia, and how it continues to influence society today. | View |
